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For small business owners, finding financing is tough. Since the financial crisis, banks have tightened lending standards, which puts many new businesses in a tough spot.

What makes the situation even worse is many business owners don’t understand all the financing options they have available.

According to a new survey, out of 50 small business owners who were polled, 54 percent didn’t understand how a merchant cash advance works, while 38 percent of respondents had never heard of this financing method at all.

A merchant cash advance is an alternative to regular loans. With this financing, business owners aren’t actually taking a loan. Instead, they are selling off a percentage of their future credit card sales to a lender.

“Thirty-eight percent of respondents had

never heard of this financing method.”

This financing is often easier to qualify for than a bad credit loan and doesn’t force the business owner to put up a lien against the business or personal assets to qualify.

Nick Del Deo, VP of Sales at Principis Capital, believes this lack of financial knowledge is contributing to the struggling economy.

There are a number of different financing methods available for new businesses, including merchant cash advances.

However, if business owners don’t know they have these options, they won’t use them. As a result, they run into a cash shortage and risk going out of business.

Del Deo believes it’s important to continue promoting financial literacy in the small business community so business owners can make the most of their financing options.

David Andrew is a former New York Life financial adviser, holding Series 6 and Certified Financial Planner credentials from his years with the company. He also holds degrees in economics and finance from McGill University.
David is now a well-published finance writer with special expertise in credit cards and auto insurance. In addition to his work on BadCredit.org, his articles have been featured on eHow, Zacks.com, TheNest.com, Chron.com and other popular sites.
When he's not keeping up with the latest news in the world of finance, David enjoys playing tennis and golf.

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